Difference between revisions of "Arenga obtusifolia"

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Hawaii.

Arenga (aw-REN-guh) obtusifolia (ob-too-sih-FOH-lee-uh)
Seedlings, Hawaii.
Scientific Classification
Genus: Arenga (aw-REN-guh) Species: obtusifolia (ob-too-sih-FOH-lee-uh)
Synonyms
Gomutus obtusifolius, Saguerus langbak.
Native Continent
Asia
Morphology
Habit: Clustering Leaf type: Pinnate
Culture
Survivability index
Common names
Pokok Langkap, langlap (Indonesia), sugar palm.

Habitat and distribution

Java, Malaya, Sumatera, and Thailand. Coastal Rainforest, Low Elevation Rainforest.

Description

Physical Characteristic:Height: Up to 16m (50ft) Growth Habit: Clustering, Growth Rate: Medium Fast, Trunk Type: No Crownshaft, Light Grey Fibrous, Prominently Ringed, Trunk Diameter: Up to 300mm (12") Leaf Type: Pinnate, Leaf Size: Up to 5.4m (18ft) Leaf Color:Dark Green, Silver Underside, Petiole:Up to 900mm (36") Inflorescence Colour:White, Fruit Description: Up to 50mm (2") Ovoid, Fruit Colour: Green. Editing by edric.

Culture

Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade, Soil: Consistently Moist, Well Draining, Watering: Frequent, Min. Temp: 2°C (36°F) Tolerances: Full Sun, High Humidity, Propagation: Seed, Germination: 1-6 Months, 28-32°C (82-90°F).

Comments and Curiosities

The sugar palm Arenga obtusifolia commonly known as 'langkap' in Indonesia, covers an estimated 18, 000 hectares of the Ujung Kulon peninsula (part of the World Heritage Site, Ulung Kulon National Park, Java), home to the 'Critically Endangered (CR)' Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondiacus). The spread and dominance of A. obtusifolia has negative impacts on undergrowth that comprises the food of the Javan Rhino; including seedling regeneration because of shading and poor light conditions caused by the canopy of the palm. Since 2003, studies have been underway to find an effective way of controlling this invasive species. Direct injections with Round-Up (Atrazine) herbicide, have proven to effectively kill the palm without leaving harmful chemical traces in the soil.

External Links

• Glossary of Palm Terms
• Pronunciation Key
• Click on Arecacaea, for list of photos
• http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=1834&fr=1&sts=&lang=EN

References

Special thanks to Geoff Stein, (Palmbob) for his hundreds of photos, edric.

Special thanks to palmweb.org, Dr. John Dransfield, Dr. Bill Baker & team, for their volumes of information and photos, edric.

Many Special Thanks to Ed Vaile for his long hours of tireless editing and numerous contributions.